SAVANNAH M. SCHULZE
Lafayette
Summary
Applied anthropologist specializing in research ethics and IRB compliance, with extensive experience in managing documentation and reporting. Proven ability to develop training materials and support interdisciplinary teams in academic and nonprofit environments. Expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks while working with vulnerable populations. Strong commitment to responsible conduct of research and ethical practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Visiting Assistant Professor
Purdue University
West Lafayette
08.2025 - Current
- Developed and delivered structured training materials in online, hybrid, and in-person formats.
- Advised undergraduate researchers on research design, ethics, IRB considerations, and grant writing.
- Collaborated with faculty and academic units on curriculum development and applied initiatives.
- Managed multiple concurrent responsibilities with emphasis on accuracy and timely documentation.
Legal Anthropologist
Klun Law Firm
Ely
02.2024 - 07.2025
- Serve in a dual administrative role supporting a law firm and affiliated businesses, providing compliance oversight, operations management, and organizational leadership across multiple entities
- Administer HR and personnel processes, including hiring, onboarding, payroll, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and supervision of managers and staff
- Manage the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for two summers, overseeing onboarding, federal documentation, compliance requirements, orientation, and ongoing participant support.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory, safety, labor, franchise, and visa-related requirements, coordinating inspections, audits, records, and corrective actions as needed
- Develop, implement, and track operational processes and reports, supporting internal decision-making and external compliance reviews with accuracy and confidentiality
- Coordinate equipment procurement and facility updates, liaising with vendors, inspectors, and industry professionals to ensure compliance and continuity of operations
- Apply anthropological and qualitative research expertise in estate planning and client services, translating complex information, and supporting culturally responsive engagement
Consultant
Feedback Agency
Richmond
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Conducted digital qualitative research using social media, news media, and online platforms to collect and analyze “voice-of-the-public” data on sensitive topics including food insecurity, health care access, and higher education
- Designed and implemented systematic data collection and analysis protocols, ensuring consistency, transparency, and methodological rigor across projects
- Synthesized qualitative findings into formal reports and presentations, translating complex data into clear, actionable insights for organizational decision-making
- Applied ethical research practices, including careful handling of publicly available data, attention to privacy considerations, and responsible interpretation of findings
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based recommendations aligned with client goals, timelines, and reporting requirements
Consultant
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Epulu
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Conducted ethics-approved human subjects research with vulnerable and underrepresented populations, applying enhanced consent, confidentiality, and documentation protocols in accordance with IRB requirements
- Analyzed and synthesized regulatory, donor, and policy frameworks (including USAID guidance, UNDRIP, and national legislation) to support institutional strategy and compliance-aligned planning
- Designed and facilitated structured stakeholder consultations, coordinating logistics, documentation, and local staff to ensure inclusive, well-documented engagement processes.
- Developed formal strategies, reports, and implementation plans, translating research findings into actionable recommendations for institutional decision-making
- Prepared comprehensive written reports documenting methods, findings, lessons learned, and compliance considerations for internal teams and external partners
- Designed and delivered a staff training workshop on strategy development, guiding implementation processes and ensuring alignment with institutional and regulatory frameworks
Doctoral Researcher (IRB-Approved)
Purdue University
West Lafayette
08.2014 - 05.2022
- Led a multi-year, IRB-approved human subjects research project, overseeing research design, ethical compliance, informed consent, data protection, documentation, and reporting across all phases of the study
- Directed long-term project management, including coordination of local research teams, timelines, budgets, and deliverables within a regulated research environment
- Managed over $70,000 in competitively awarded research funding, ensuring adherence to grant requirements, financial accountability, and institutional policies
- Secured competitively awarded external funding (National Geographic Society) and managed grant compliance, reporting, and deliverables in accordance with funder and institutional requirements
- Produced formal research outputs and reports for academic and practitioner audiences, translating qualitative findings into evidence-based recommendations
Research Assistant
Presence to Influence Project
West Lafayette
01.2015 - 08.2018
- Conducted collaborative, time-sensitive qualitative research as part of a multidisciplinary team at an international research conference
- Produced structured research outputs (reports, field documentation, summaries) to support analysis, reporting, and public-facing dissemination
Education
PhD - Anthropology
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN, USA05.2022
Certificate -
Krannert School of Management, Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN, USA08.2020
MS - Primate Behavior
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA, USA05.2014
BA - Anthropology
University of Minnesota Morris
Morris, MN, USA05.2009
Skills
- Human subjects research & IRB compliance
- Research ethics and responsible conduct of research
- Research administration & documentation
- Data management and record-keeping
- Qualitative analysis & reporting
- Project and staff coordination
- Grant compliance & deliverable tracking
- NVivo; Qualtrics
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Visiting Assistant Professor
Purdue University
08.2025 - Current
Legal Anthropologist
Klun Law Firm
02.2024 - 07.2025
Consultant
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
04.2022 - 08.2023
Consultant
Feedback Agency
01.2021 - 12.2023
Research Assistant
Presence to Influence Project
01.2015 - 08.2018
Doctoral Researcher (IRB-Approved)
Purdue University
08.2014 - 05.2022
PhD - Anthropology
Purdue University
Certificate -
Krannert School of Management, Purdue University
MS - Primate Behavior
Central Washington University
BA - Anthropology
University of Minnesota Morris